Reconceptualization of Special Collections,

University of Maryland

Desider Vikor

MARAC Fall 2011 MeetingBethlehem, Pennsylvania October 21, 2011

Impetus for Change at UM

(1) broader organizational/institutional factors (strategic plans for campus and Libraries(2) new leadership (campus and

Libraries)(3) digital technologies(4) reality of resources

Framework for Change

Switch: How to ChangeWhen Change Is Hardby Chip and Dan Heath(Broadway Books, 2010)

Switch

The basic problem: brain has two independent systems at work at all times.

(1) the emotional side: instinctive, feels pain and pleasure; image: the Elephant(2) the rational side (reflective or conscious system): deliberates and analyzes and looks into the future; image: the Elephant’s Rider

Switch model

Three-part framework that can guide you in any situation where you need to change behavior:

• Direct the Rider: - Find the bright spots - Script the critical moves - Point to the destination

Switch model (contd.)

• Motivate the Elephant: - Find the feeling - Shrink the Change; - Grow your people

• Shape the Path: - Tweak the environment - Build habits - Rally the herd

Special Collections/Hornbake: Setting Sail for an Exceptional Future

Where we’ve been… Where we’re going….

Compass Points

• We will be creative and responsive to change; identities are flexible and adaptable based on organizational priorities.

• Everyone will have a baseline of knowledge about our Special Collections; people will have specialties that will develop and change over time.

Compass Points (contd.)

• We will value individual expertise and subject knowledge, and use them to support our strategic priorities.

• We share ownership of the future of Special Collections.

• Special Collections prides itself in placing the needs and expectations of our users foremost

Collection Areas

• University of Maryland • State of Maryland • Broadcasting and Journalism• Culture and Literature • U.S. Social and Economic Movements

Functional Groups

• Researcher Experience• Access to Collections• Instruction & Outreach

Thanks!

Desider Vikor

Director of Collection Mgmt.

& Special Collections

dlv@umd.edu